“This funding will help libraries and museums to adapt, reach even wider audiences, and continue their roles at the heart of the community."
Responding to the announcement that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will invest £250 million in cultural infrastructure, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said:
“Government is right to recognise that culture is one of the key things that places need if they are to thrive.
“Councils believe every community should be able to easily access and benefit from high quality cultural organisations, including museums and libraries.
“Local libraries play a significant role as community hubs, encouraging creativity, improving skills and knowledge, boosting wellbeing and supporting economic growth.
“However, many buildings are not well suited to the needs of modern communities.
“Some museums are now also in a perilous state and the LGA has long called for the investment needed to unlock their full potential to educate, improve health and wellbeing, and to celebrate local and national heritage.
“This funding will help libraries and museums to adapt, reach even wider audiences, and continue their roles at the heart of the community.
“Government’s investment in culture through the High Streets Fund, Historic High Streets Fund, Cultural Development Fund, and now this funding is much needed.
“However, it is important that Government uses the forthcoming Budget and Spending Review to simplify the funding for local government; allowing councils to develop ambitious plans that maximise the impact of the money available.”